June 13, 2021

Dear Quashnet School Community, 

It is was wonderful to welcome our incoming Grade 3 students and families to Quashnet School last Thursday evening. It was the first time we welcomed families, really anyone other than students, into the school since a year ago February. It actually felt like things are getting closer to normal. 

Getting to meet our new Quashnet students is always so exciting! We talk about the first day of school, experiences to look forward to, and had a tour of the building.  It can also be a little bittersweet.  It means that we are getting ready to send off our Grade 6 students.  

On Tuesday, June 15, Grade 6 students and families are encouraged to attend Step-Up Night at MMHS @ 5:30 PM.  This is an opportunity to meet the administration, MMHS staff, and tour the building.  I hope to see all of our Grade 6 students there Tuesday evening! 

Transition activities are very important to help ease the move to a new school.  For both our rising Grade 3 and Grade 7 students, there will be a day in August to visit your new schools, either Quashnet or MMHS. You will receive more information over the summer. 

Can you believe we have 7 days left in the 2020-2021 school year? It is sure going to be a school year to remember.  We were put to the test this year, but when I think of all the learning and growth and seeing students flourish, it is a true accomplishment.  

I have to acknowledge our teaching team and staff at Quashnet School.  Their dedication, professionalism, and focus on students firsts never let up.  They had to learn new ways to use technology through apps, programs, and devices. Zoom became our best friends with document cameras a close second! Our HVAC system continues to blow air into rooms at full capacity and it sounds like it!  Teachers were equipped with microphones, and they used them. Then we added exhaust fans to add to the cacophony of sounds.   

...and students learned to read, write, problem-solve, share their computer screens on a plane, in the rain, in the park in the dark, in class, and sometimes they had a pass. They worked with friends in breakout rooms on Zoom, became incredibly proficient with Google Classroom, and collaborated on slides and docs! They met new friends and showed their Falcon pride and Falcon Five leadership. 

...and parents and families were at the ready to troubleshoot tech issues, attend Zoom classes, Zoom conferences, and Zoom meetings. Yes, and they endure traffic like we haven't had before!

....everyone, tolerates masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing. Quarantining is a challenge when that close contact call comes, and COVID-19 testing is certainly not fun.

...BUT,  WE DID IT TOGETHER!! 

Thank you Quashnet Community, WE ARE 

#Quashnet Strong! 

Success! The chickens hatched on Monday, June 7.  

Be sure to check out some adorable pictures with these feathered friends on the photo tab above. The baby chicks stayed with us for one week - growing, chirping, and hopping around. On Friday, they left for their new home in a local coop where they will enjoy a happy life laying eggs. 

Thank you Grade 5 Science teachers, Mrs. Mayen, Mrs. Babich, and Ms. Warren, for sharing this process with the whole school. In this case, the egg came before the chicken!

June Wrap Up

June 15 - Field Day for Grade 3 & Grade 5 

June 15 - Step Up Night at MMHS for incoming Grade 7 students and families 

June 16 - Field Day for Grade 4 and Grade 6 

June 16 - Grade 3 Virtual Field Trip to Plimoth Patuxet Museum 

June 16 - School Committee Meeting at QS Library 

June 18 - Rain Date for Field Day 

June 21 - QS Virtual Academic Awards Day 

June 22 - Report Cards Issued (Placement for next year will be shared with families in August)

June 22 - Last Day of School - Student dismissal 12:30 PM 

Next Sunday, look for information on Summer Reading and Math practice ideas! 

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.  

Respectfully, 

Principal O'Brien